The Sounds of Advice #16


How to deal with the loss of a pet

Aisling: Losing a pet can be very hard. For some it's like losing a family member. Whether a pet passes away from old age or from having to be put down due to an illness that can't be helped, be sure to hang onto your memories of them. Look through pictures you have of them. If you're not ready to welcome another pet into your home but miss being around animals you could volunteer at pet shelters. Pets may not be there for our entire life but we are there for them for theirs.

 Sandy: Best way is to remember the good times you had and have your grieving time. For kids it is a little harder. However, if you know a family member that they know that has passed, just tell them that that family member and the pet are watching over you now and having a great time hanging out together.

 Kate: Allow yourself time to grieve. Just like with people, you're allowed to feel whatever emotions you want or need to. Be upset, be angry, be sad. It is never easy to lose someone you care about, whether it be a human or an animal. Animals are sometimes just as much our family as the people around you. The bond between you and a pet is a strong one and it's okay to feel the loss.

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